From the acclaimed author of Prayers and Lies and The Sometimes Daughter comes
an emotional, compelling, and ultimately uplifting novel that explores
the fragility and resilience of love—and the decisions, large and small,
that determine not just who we are, but who we want to be.

Corrie
Philips has an enviable life—even if it’s not quite the one she wanted.
She enjoys working at her university alumni magazine, her house is
beautiful, and her husband, Mark, is attentive, handsome, and wealthy.
But after years of frustration and failed attempts, Corrie is desperate
for a child—and haunted by the choices in her past.

A decade
ago, just after college, Corrie’s boyfriend Daniel left town, intent on
saving the world even if it meant breaking Corrie’s heart. Now he’s
returned, and despite her misgivings, Corrie feels drawn to him again.
But the emotions that overwhelm her may put her marriage and her secure,
stable life at risk. Faced with an unexpected choice, Corrie must
unravel illusion from reality at last and weigh what she most needs
against what her heart has always wanted.

Praise for the novels of Sherri Wood Emmons The Sometimes Daughter

“Emmons has a keen grasp of the difficulties of mother-daughter dynamics…an intimate story.” --Publishers Weekly

“Emmons has written a heart-warming story that underscores the importance of family.” --The Star Ledger

“Teens
who appreciated Lauren Myracle’s Bliss or autobiographies by Augusten
Burroughs and Jeannette Walls of dysfunctional family survivors should
also enjoy this novel.” –School Library Journal

Prayers and Lies

“A rich story of the triumph of love and decency.” –Sandra Dallas, author of Prayers for Sale

“A strong debut…Emmons has a rich voice that pairs well with the earthy setting…and the characters are wonderfully drawn.” –Publishers Weekly

“Surely Sherri Wood Emmons is the freshest new voice I've read in a long while. Read Prayers and Lies, and hold on tight! You are in for an unforgettable literary ride!” --Ann Hood, author of The Red Thread

“Through
the careful rendering of this dysfunctional family, Emmons makes us
fall in love with Bethany Wylie, the young girl at the heart of this
story, as well as her wayward cousin, Reana Mae. The evolution of their
friendship—the way they grow together and grow apart—is heart-breaking.”
--T. Greenwood, author of Grace

About Sherri Wood Emmons:

Sherri Wood Emmons is a freelance writer and editor. Prayers and Lies is her first work of fiction. She is a graduate of Earlham College and the University of Denver Publishing Institute. A mother of three, she lives in Indiana with her husband, two fat beagles, and four spoiled cats.

Average Customer Review

Based on 1 review

Customer Review

small things
(Wednesday, May 8, 2013)
Reviewer: jbarr

The Weight of Small Things by Sheri Wood EmmonsChapters alternate between the past and the present. Corrie and Mark are married and she wants to give him kids so bad but she keeps failing.She had gone to college but still helped out at home because after her father died, he was a professor at the college, her mother took up drinking with her sister and brother left to raise.Bryn had met and roomed with Carrie many years ago and stayed in the area, her love interest is Paul and she's pregnant.Corrie has met with Daniel, an old boyfriend because he wants her to write an article about his children's project on the west coast. She will travel to CA for photos and the story while her husband Mark is in NY doing his work.After her return she gets into her normal work pattern and finds Daniel on her doorstep after work. He's stalking her and she tells him she is not in love with him and he spends the night at Bob's who's got the boys staying with him, and Bryn.Secrets, lying, deceit and it's from many of the characters. I wonder if their lives will ever be straightened out.As time goes on and they both find themselves pregnant they are able to talk to one another about their relationships and decide what to do with their lives. Love how close the two women are and have the same thing going on, but different.Interesting to hear how they mull things over and come to a decision that works for them.Just when you think that both women have endured enough, a tornado blows through their town...I received this book from Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest opinion